Stephen King, a master of horror and suspense, has penned numerous stories that have captivated readers for decades; among his extensive collection of works is the novella 1922, which is part of his collection Full Dark, No Stars.
This story has been adapted into a movie, directed by Zak Hilditch, which was released in 2017.
This comprehensive guide is designed to explore the world of 1922, delving into its book summary, movie summary, intriguing facts, and much more.
Book summary of Full Dark, No Stars (1922)
Full Dark, No Stars is a collection of four novellas, one of which is 1922.
This chilling story follows the life of Wilfred James, a Nebraska farmer who convinces his son, Henry, to help him murder his wife, Arlette.
The motive behind this heinous crime lies in Arlette’s desire to sell their farmland and move to the city, an idea that Wilfred is vehemently against.
Together, father and son carry out the murder and dispose of Arlette’s body in a well on their property.
The events that follow are a haunting tale of guilt, remorse, and the supernatural.
As the story unfolds, Wilfred becomes tormented by the consequences of his actions, which include his son’s descent into crime and the appearance of rat-infested visions.
As his world crumbles around him, Wilfred is forced to confront the horrifying reality of what he has done.
Movie summary of 1922
The 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s 1922 remains relatively faithful to the original novella, bringing the gruesome tale to life on the screen.
The film stars Thomas Jane as Wilfred James, Dylan Schmid as Henry, and Molly Parker as Arlette.
As in the novella, the movie follows the story of a father and son who conspire to commit murder and the subsequent unraveling of their lives.
The film captures the eerie atmosphere of the novella, with its dark and foreboding cinematography and chilling performances from the cast.
As the story progresses, viewers are immersed in a world of guilt, paranoia, and supernatural horror that leaves a lasting impact.
The timeline and setting of 1922: When and where it takes place
As the title suggests, the story of 1922 takes place in the year 1922, in the rural farming community of Hemingford Home, Nebraska.
The setting is essential to the story as it reflects the isolation and desolation experienced by the characters.
The vastness of the farmland and the lack of connection to the outside world serves to heighten the sense of dread and unease that permeates the story.
Stephen King’s choice of setting not only helps to ground the story in a specific time and place but also serves as a backdrop for the exploration of themes such as the struggle between the old and the new, the consequences of greed, and the destructive nature of guilt.
1922 film locations and travel guide
The movie adaptation of 1922 was primarily filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The picturesque Canadian countryside was used to recreate the rural setting of Hemingford Home, Nebraska.
Key filming locations include the Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam and the historic Clayburn Village in Abbotsford.
For those interested in visiting the filming locations of 1922, a trip to Vancouver and its surrounding areas offers a chance to explore not only the sites from the movie but also the stunning natural beauty of the region.
With its lush forests, majestic mountains, and charming historic villages, a visit to these locations provides an unforgettable experience for fans of the film and Stephen King enthusiasts alike.
Who’s who in 1922: Characters and cast
1922 features a small but memorable cast of characters, each of whom plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the story.
The main characters include:
- Wilfred James (played by Thomas Jane): The protagonist and narrator of the story, Wilfred is a hardworking farmer who becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia after murdering his wife.
- Arlette James (played by Molly Parker): Wilfred’s wife, who desires to sell their land and move to the city, ultimately leading to her murder.
- Henry James (played by Dylan Schmid): Wilfred’s teenage son, who is manipulated into helping his father commit murder and later faces his own set of tragic consequences.
- Shannon Cotterie (played by Kaitlyn Bernard): A young woman who becomes embroiled in the events that follow the murder of Arlette.
The cast of 1922 delivers powerful performances, bringing to life the complex and tortured characters of the story.
Thomas Jane’s portrayal of Wilfred James is particularly noteworthy, as he captures the character’s descent into madness with chilling accuracy.
Memorable quotes from 1922
Stephen King is known for his ability to craft memorable and impactful lines that stay with readers long after they finish his stories. 1922 is no exception, with several quotes that capture the essence of the story and its themes.
Some of the most noteworthy quotes from the novella and the movie adaptation include:
- “A man’s heart is stonier; a man grows what he can and tends it.” – Wilfred James
- “The smell of the decaying house was like an apple left too long in a lunchbox.” – Wilfred James
- “In the end, we all get caught.” – Wilfred James
- “Guilt is a wound that never closes.” – Wilfred James
These quotes offer insight into the characters’ motivations and the consequences of their actions, as well as the overall tone and atmosphere of the story.
The soundtrack by Mike Patton: A closer look
The soundtrack for the 1922 movie was composed by Mike Patton, an American musician best known as the lead vocalist of the experimental metal band Faith No More.
Patton’s score for the movie is haunting and atmospheric, with a mix of ambient sounds and minimalist piano melodies that perfectly capture the mood of the story.
Patton’s use of dissonance and discordance adds to the overall sense of unease, while his incorporation of traditional folk songs helps to ground the story in its rural setting.
The soundtrack is an essential component of the movie, enhancing the emotional impact of the story and immersing viewers in its world.
Curiosities and trivia about 1922
For fans of Stephen King’s work, 1922 offers a wealth of interesting and obscure trivia.
Some of the most noteworthy tidbits include:
- The novella was inspired by King’s own experiences living in a rural area and owning a farm.
- The character of Wilfred James was partly inspired by King’s father, who was a similar age and occupation.
- The movie adaptation of 1922 was shot in just 20 days.
- Director Zak Hilditch originally pitched the idea of a 1922 movie to Netflix as part of a horror anthology series.
These facts offer insight into the creative process behind the story and the making of the movie, as well as the personal experiences that influenced King’s writing.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like 1922 characters
For fans of cosplay or those interested in dressing up as characters from 1922, there are several key elements to consider.
The fashion of the 1920s was characterized by a focus on loose, flowing clothing, with women’s dresses featuring dropped waists and shorter hemlines.
For men, suits were the norm, with wide-legged trousers and double-breasted jackets. Accessories such as hats and gloves were also popular, as were hairstyles such as bobs and finger waves.
To capture the look of the characters from 1922, it is essential to pay attention to the details, such as the rustic fabrics and muted colors that reflect the rural setting of the story.
Stephen King: Biography and notable works
Stephen King is one of the most celebrated and prolific authors of our time, with a career spanning over five decades and dozens of best-selling books.
Born in Portland, Maine, in 1947, King began writing stories at a young age and published his first novel, Carrie, in 1974.
Since then, he has published over 60 novels and more than 200 short stories, many of which have been adapted for film and television.
King’s work is known for its focus on horror and suspense, as well as its exploration of themes such as the human condition, the supernatural, and the dark underbelly of society.
Explaining the ending of 1922
The ending of 1922 is open to interpretation, with several possible meanings and implications.
After being haunted by visions of rats and his dead wife, Wilfred James ultimately meets his demise at the hands of his son, Henry.
Some readers and viewers interpret this as a form of supernatural justice or karma, while others see it as a tragic consequence of Wilfred’s actions.
The ending of the story highlights the destructive nature of guilt and the consequences of one’s choices, leaving readers and viewers to ponder the meaning of the story long after it has ended.
Director Zak Hilditch and his other media contributions
Zak Hilditch, the director of the 1922 movie, is an Australian filmmaker who has made several notable contributions to the world of cinema.
His previous works include the feature films These Final Hours and Transmission, as well as the short films Plum Role and The Toll.
Hilditch is known for his ability to create compelling and atmospheric stories that explore the darker side of human nature.
His work on 1922 demonstrates his skill in bringing Stephen King’s vision to life on the screen.
Similar media to 1922 and Full Dark, No Stars
For fans of 1922 and Full Dark, No Stars, there are several other works by Stephen King and other authors that offer a similar mix of horror, suspense, and psychological drama.
Some of the most noteworthy include:
- The Shining by Stephen King
- The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy
- The Stand by Stephen King
These works explore similar themes and subject matter, offering a rich and varied experience for fans of the genre.
Other works by Stephen King
Stephen King’s extensive body of work includes dozens of novels, short stories, and non-fiction works, many of which are considered classics of the horror and suspense genres.
Some of his most popular and noteworthy works include:
- Doctor Sleep
- The Shining
- The Stand
- It
- Gerald’s Game
- The Green Mile
- 11/22/63
These works showcase King’s versatility as a writer and his ability to create complex and memorable characters, as well as his talent for crafting stories that stay with readers long after they finish reading.
Possibilities for a remake, sequel, or spin-off
A Remake of 1922
As a dedicated Stephen King fan, I’ve often wondered about the possibilities of a remake of 1922.
With the success of King adaptations like “It” and “Doctor Sleep”, it seems plausible that Hollywood could revisit this dark and twisted tale.
A remake could potentially offer an updated interpretation of the story, expanding on the themes of guilt, betrayal, and supernatural elements that King so expertly weaves throughout his works.
Additionally, new technology and special effects could bring to life the eerie setting and haunting atmosphere of the original story in a way that would captivate audiences once again.
Potential Sequels to 1922
Sequels are popular in the world of film and literature, and 1922 could be a prime candidate for continuation.
The story leaves some unanswered questions about the fate of its characters, and a sequel could explore the aftermath of their actions.
Perhaps the protagonist’s son could become a central figure in a new story, investigating the dark history of his family and coming to terms with the consequences of his father’s actions. Alternatively, a sequel could delve into the supernatural aspects of the story, further examining the ghosts that haunt the protagonist and exploring the nature of their existence.
Spin-offs Inspired by 1922
Beyond sequels and remakes, 1922 has the potential to inspire spin-off stories based in the same world or featuring secondary characters from the original tale.
A spin-off could delve into the backstory of the murdered wife, exploring her life before her untimely death and shedding light on her motivations and relationships.
Another possibility is a spin-off following the protagonist’s neighbors, who experience chilling encounters with the supernatural forces at play in the story.
By expanding on these characters and their experiences, a spin-off could further explore the themes and settings of 1922 while offering a fresh perspective on King’s haunting tale.
Engaging with 1922: Book club questions and discussions
Book Club Questions
For those interested in deepening their understanding of 1922, engaging in book club discussions can be a valuable experience.
Here are some questions to consider:
- How does King use the setting of 1922 to create a sense of dread and unease throughout the story?
- In what ways do the themes of guilt and betrayal manifest in the protagonist’s actions and experiences?
- How does the supernatural element of the story contribute to the overall atmosphere and themes?
- What role does the protagonist’s son play in the story, and how does his relationship with his father evolve over time?
- How does King develop the character of the murdered wife, and what impact does her portrayal have on the story’s themes and messages?
Tips for Leading a Discussion on 1922
If you find yourself in the position of leading a book club discussion on 1922, here are some tips to help facilitate a meaningful conversation:
- Encourage participants to share their initial reactions and impressions of the story, and use these responses as a starting point for further discussion.
- Guide the conversation by posing open-ended questions that allow for multiple perspectives and interpretations.
- Be mindful of the sensitive subject matter and potentially triggering themes in the story, and create a safe space for participants to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Encourage participants to consider how 1922 compares to other works by Stephen King, as well as other horror or thriller stories they have encountered.
- Wrap up the discussion by asking participants to share their thoughts on the story’s ending and any lingering questions or thoughts they may have.
Video games inspired by Stephen King’s works
The Dark Tower Series
Stephen King’s expansive and imaginative Dark Tower series has been a source of inspiration for several video games.
Most notably, Discordia, an online game released in 2009, invites players to explore the mysterious world of the Dark Tower and face off against the sinister forces that inhabit it. Fans of the series will appreciate the attention to detail and immersive storyline that stays true to the spirit of King’s works.
The Mist
The Mist, a chilling novella by King that explores the horrors unleashed by a mysterious and otherworldly force, has inspired several game adaptations.
One example is the 1985 text-based adventure game, which challenges players to navigate their way through a small town engulfed by the deadly mist.
More recently, an indie game titled “Into the Mist” was released, offering a more modern take on the story’s chilling atmosphere and themes.
Alan Wake
While not directly based on a specific Stephen King work, Alan Wake is a psychological thriller video game heavily inspired by the author’s signature style and themes.
Players assume the role of a writer who finds himself entangled in a dark and mysterious narrative, much like the protagonists of many King stories.
The game’s creators have cited King as a significant influence in the development of Alan Wake, making it a must-play for fans of the author.
Conclusion
Stephen King’s 1922 is a haunting and evocative tale that has left a lasting impression on readers and viewers alike.
With its rich themes, chilling atmosphere, and unforgettable characters, it’s no wonder that fans continue to explore the story’s many facets and possibilities.
From potential remakes, sequels, and spin-offs to engaging in thought-provoking book club discussions and enjoying video games inspired by King’s works, there are countless ways to immerse oneself in the dark and twisted world of 1922.
No matter how you choose to engage with this chilling tale, one thing is certain: the mystery of 1922 will continue to captivate and intrigue for years to come.
